Making hostels more environmentally friendly

We are finding more and more ordinary folks and guests talking more and more about being environmentally friendly and we are going that extra mile to do our bit see the following excerpt:

To be or Not to be

You do not have to be a tree hugger to be worried about what is happening to our planet and while governments around the world, big and small can argue how to deal with the myriad of things that could be done most (the only countries that do not believe in climate change are those that have their own interests at heart) agree that we must ALL help in reducing carbon pollution. The down side to doing this is that it normally requires spending money, therein lies the rub of the situation on one side you have the environmentalist who see anything commercial as a curse and with suspicion and the other, those who want to exploit the situation. Doing nothing as an option is the only thing both these parties agree just cannot happen.
The real issue here is that we as individuals account by our decisions for almost 100% of the carbon problem on the planet we therefore individually need to do more, we at Asia BackPackers have already put into effect our own Environmental Friendly Policy (see: http://asia-backpackers.com/?page_id=242) and as of the 31st March 2014 will be the only officially recognized Carbon Neutral Hostel on the planet.

Tell this guy that plants don't have enough energy, fat, vitamins, enzymes, protein, etc. Oh, and also try explaining it gorillas, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes.

Concerning water, it takes over 2,400 liters to create the ingredients in one hamburger. A leaky faucet is no match to selling animal products.

reclaimed water for the garden ???

OF COURSE you can not use it

Although, I would use water from the sink , to flush toilet

www.sinkpositive.com

:party:

Thank you for pointing out that our page has an error I include the full list here and we are changing the web sites.
Our intent is not to scare but to make people think about the small things around them.

I would point out that the daily water usage figures posted by reputable bodies is between 80-100 gallons, may we ask where you got you figure of 165 usage every two weeks bearing in mind a toilet can take use to 5 gallon of water per flush?

• LED bulbs installed where possible
• Computers are set to sleep to reduce the electricity consumption.
• All Food waste is recycled.
• Where possible electrical equipment is switched off and not left on standby.
• Cold Water washing machines are employed where possible to reduce electricity consumption.
• Guests choose how often they want the bedding or towels changed.
• All A4 paper waste is cut up into small notepads.
• All waste Oil is collected and recycled.
• The Hostel offers its guest the use of Bicycles and walking guides
• 90% Recycling of glass bottles cardboard and plastic
• Clothes in lost and found are donated to local charities.
• Toiletries have been replaced to large refilled soap dispensers.
• The hostel uses fair trade tea & coffee.
• We do not print any hotel brochure as such but direct everyone to our website instead, and we only employ e-zines, on line agents and social media to market the property.
• Scanning is employed where previously printers, were used cutting down on the use of paper and ink cartridges.
• Dual push taps in all toilets reducing the water usage.
• We provide our own UV treated drinking water reducing carbon emissions on transport
• Refilling of fresh water bottles available to guests to reduce the waste of plastic bottles.
• Walking and jogging route designed and promoted on website to increase exercise and well being of our guests.
• We only use e-mail to confirm accommodation bookings as opposed to postal or fax confirmation.
• Staff regularly trained on energy saving issues.
• Food is sourced locally to reduce carbon emissions
• Zoned air conditioning for sleeping accommodation
• Bedroom lighting (& air conditioning) is controlled by timers and staff conducting safety checks, ensuring that lights and Air conditioning units are switched OFF, when not in use.
• Low level lighting employed to reduce the need for full lighting of a room.
• Air conditioning and fridges maintained on regular bases to reducing wastage of electricity.
• Removal of carpeting to ensure the floors are kept clean without the need for electricity eating vacuum cleaners and cleaners
• Light painted walls, ceilings and mirrors to increase natural lighting to save electricity.
• Building materials are sourced from local providers.
• We will be employing our own form of carbon offsetting to reduce our and our guests Carbon Foot Print.